Our Gastroenterology Blog

Posts for tag: Rectal Bleeding

Are you concerned because you noticed a little blood in your underwear after a bowel movement? Although rectal bleeding is alarming, it's not always caused by cancer or other serious diseases or conditions. The Suffolk County, NY, gastroenterologists at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates share a few common reasons for rectal bleeding.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids affect one in 20 people, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. By age 50, the Institute estimates that half of all men and women will have the condition. Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins that form around your anus or inside your rectum. Straining during bowel movements are a common cause of hemorrhoids. After you have a bowel movement, you may notice some bright red blood on the toilet paper if you have hemorrhoids.

Ice packs, warm baths and over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream and pain relievers can help reduce itching and discomfort. It's also important to increase your fiber and fluid intake if your condition is caused by constipation. If home treatment doesn't help, schedule a visit with our Suffolk County office to discuss hemorrhoid removal options, such as rubber band ligation or laser treatment.

Anal fissures

Anal fissures are small tears around your anus that produce bright red blood. They also tend to occur if you strain during bowel movements. Treating constipation and taking warm baths can help your fissures heal. If they don't get better, your gastroenterologist may recommend topical anesthetics to relax the anal sphincter and decrease spasms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

Other causes of rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding can also occur if you have inflammatory bowel disease, a perianal abscess, diverticulosis, ulcers or colon cancer. The appearance of the blood will vary depending on the source. If bleeding occurs in your colon or small bowel, it will look dark red, while the blood from a stomach ulcer will appear black.

Your gastroenterologist may recommend a colonscopy to determine the cause of your rectal bleeding. The minimally invasive test is performed by inserting a thin scope into your anus and passing it through your colon and the upper part of your small intestine. Viewing the transmitted images allows your doctor to remotely examine the lining of your colon for lesions, polyps or other areas of concern. It's also possible to remove polyps during the test, cauterize bleeding blood vessels and remove tissue for biopsies.

Minor rectal bleeding, which is described as droplets of bright red blood in the stool or on toilet paper after a bowel movement, can be caused by several situations. While occasional minor rectal bleeding is not necessarily a sign of a serious problem, it is important to monitor, and consult with a doctor if bleeding becomes persistent and heavier, in order to find the cause as quickly as possible.

Common Causes of Minor Rectal Bleeding

The doctors at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates, Specialists in Digestive and Liver Diseases in Suffolk County, are here to identify the most common causes of blood in the stool and after a bowel movement as:

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are the leading cause of minor rectal bleeding. They result from swelling of blood vessels in the anus and rectum. While some hemorrhoids can be painful and cause discomfort, they do not pose a danger to overall health and are not associated with colorectal cancer. Most cases either resolve on their own, or can be treated with topical creams and ointments.

Anal Fissures

Fissures are small tears in the lining of the rectum that can develop from straining during constipation, as well as cases of extreme diarrhea. In additional to minor bleeding, they can also be very painful, but do not pose a threat to general health and are not related to colorectal cancer or more serious conditions of the digestive system.

Proctitis

Inflammation of the rectal lining can cause pain and minor bleeding. Proctitis can be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease, but can also result from an infection, or as a side effect of radiation treatment or certain medications.

Rectal ulcers

Although rare, rectal ulcers can result from chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements.

Polyps

Polyps are small growths inside the lining of the bowel and colon (large intestine). Although the polyps are benign, they can potentially develop into colon cancer, and should be removed when they are found.

Colorectal Cancer

The second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, this form of cancer can be extremely treatable when caught early. A diagnostic test known as a colonoscopy can detect the presence of polyps, and remove them once they are found. Colon cancer treatment varies depending on when it is diagnosed, and the general health and personal factors of each patient.

Gastroenterologist in Suffolk County

It is important to monitor and seek medical attention for new or worsening symptoms. If you are experiencing rectal bleeding or other symptoms, contact Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County at (631) 289-0300 to schedule an appointment today.